Roberto De Zerbi was 'major attraction' for Mason Greenwood to join Marseille from Man Utd as ex-Brighton boss 'called him every day' during transfer negotiations

The long-running Greenwood transfer saga came to an end last week when the forward left United for Marseille. And according to The Athletic, ex-Brighton boss De Zerbi played a big role in his transfer, with the Italian reportedly calling Greenwood and his father Andrew every day as the Ligue 1 side tried to land his signature.

Despite criticism from some Marseille fans over signing Greenwood - which stemmed from the one-time England international previously being accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, before all charges were dropped - De Zerbi has stuck by the 22-year-old. Before Greenwood signed, he said: “What I can say is that once a player signs with Marseille, all the players, he becomes like a son to me and I will protect him from anyone. If I have to pull their ears or put him against the wall I will — but in front of people, I will defend him like a son.”

The Athletic says that De Zerbi's words 'resonated' with the former Getafe loanee, who later gave his approval for the transfer to Marseille.

Greenwood, who signed a five-year deal with Marseille for an initial fee of £23.3 million ($30m), was linked with Lazio, Barcelona, and Getafe but ended up leaving United for the Ligue 1 team. Last season on loan he scored 10 goals and bagged six assists in all competitions for Getafe.

Ahead of making his full debut with Marseille when the Ligue 1 season rolls round next month, Greenwood could feature in their pre-season friendlies against SC Toulon, Pau, Sunderland and Augsburg in the coming weeks.